After battling an elbow injury, the Seattle Seahawks’ beloved backup signal caller will replace Sam Darnold after the latter’s own injuries forced him out. Drew Lock will make his second start of the season, again facing the Arizona Cardinals. But the mystery of the elbow injury has been solved, according to Tom Pelissero.
Lock’s availability this week is also somewhat questionable, due to a tendinitis issue, but he’s looked good in limited practice appearances to lead Seattle into a Week 9 divisional matchup.
Lock made two starts to start the season, posting a 127.3 passer rating (would lead the NFL if he had enough throws to qualify), 73% completion rate, 422 yards, 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. The hot start, coupled with turnover struggles from Sam Darnold, had some fans clamoring to leave the backup inserted as the starter. A strained quad for Darnold will cause this idea to come to fruition within a week.
The Arizona Cardinals defense has allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to the QB position, so it will be interesting to see if the big Lock lights it up again. Will the decision makers in Seattle choose to ride the hot hand if the offense looks effective again, against an inferior opponent? Those are questions for another day.
Seahawks sophomore QB Jalen Milroe will serve as the backup at Lumen Field on Sunday. With Lock still dealing with “severe tendinitis” that has kept him from throwing occasionally for the past few weeks, the developmental 3rd-stringer should be mentally ready to play, if needed, as well.
The Cardinals will go with another passer with Seattle ties, Gardner Minshew II, making it a duel of backup quarterbacks.